Embrace The Magic of Autumn with These
Top 15 Festivals Across Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to some of the country’s most vibrant and exciting fall festivals. Every year, as the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red, the state comes alive with celebrations that capture the true essence of autumn. Whether you’re a local or a traveler looking to experience Pennsylvania in all its seasonal glory, a fall festival is perfect for you. From charming small-town harvest fests to massive apple-themed celebrations and historic reenactments, the Keystone State offers something for everyone.
In this post, I’ve rounded up 15 must-see fall festivals for 2024 that showcase the best of Pennsylvania’s fall traditions. So grab a hot apple cider, cozy up, and let’s explore the festivals that will make your autumn unforgettable!
Jim Thorpe Fall Festival
October – 5th – 6th, 12th – 13th, 19th – 20th
Location: Jim Thorpe, PA
The town of Jim Thorpe is a picturesque gem tucked into the Pocono Mountains, and each weekend in October, it transforms into a fall wonderland. The festival offers scenic train rides through the Lehigh River Gorge, giving visitors stunning views of the fall foliage. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, there are local artisan markets, live music, and plenty of seasonal treats to enjoy. Parking can be challenging, so arrive early to secure a good spot!
For more information, visit their website. Jim Thorpe Festival
Bedford Fall Foliage Festival
October – 5th – 6th, 12th – 13th
Location: Bedford, PA
One of the largest fall festivals in Pennsylvania, the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival attracts around 70,000 visitors annually. Over two weekends, this event offers over 400 craft vendors, live entertainment, and an antique car parade—all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains. Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts or want to enjoy live music, this festival has something for everyone.
For more information, visit their website. Bedford Fall Foliage Festival
Autumn Leaf Festival
September 28th – October – 6th
Location: Clarion, PA
If you’re looking for a fall festival with serious flair, the Autumn Leaf Festival in Clarion is a must. This nine-day event draws nearly half a million visitors and is packed with activities, including carnival rides, parades, and an antique tractor show. The Tournament of Leaves Parade is a highlight, with vibrant floats and costumed performers adding to the festive atmosphere. This festival also offers prime opportunities for leaf-peeping, with stunning foliage views in the Pennsylvania Wilds region.
For more information, visit their website. Clarion Autumn Leaf Festival
National Apple Harvest Festival
October 5th – 6th, 12th – 13th
Location: Biglerville, PA
Nothing says fall quite like apples, and the National Apple Harvest Festival is the ultimate celebration of this beloved fruit. Held over two weekends in Adams County, the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple-growing region, this festival offers apple-based treats galore, from pies to cider. Visitors can also enjoy live music, demonstrations, and over 300 craft and food vendors.
For more information, visit their website. National Apple Harvest
Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad Fall Foliage Tours
October 2th – 18th
Location: Titusville, PA
For a more relaxed way to experience Pennsylvania’s fall beauty, consider hopping aboard the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad. This scenic ride takes you through Oil Creek State Park, one of the state’s most beautiful spots for fall foliage. As you travel through the historic “Valley that Changed the World,” you’ll not only take in the stunning autumn colors but also learn about the area’s fascinating industrial past.
For more information, visit their website. Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad
Zelienople Country Fall Festival
October 12th – 13th
Location: Zelienople, PA
Zelienople and neighboring Harmony come together to host this delightful two-day fall festival. Visitors can enjoy a mix of history, family-friendly activities, and local charm. With hayrides, a chili cook-off, and a classic car show, there’s something for everyone. Kids will especially love the pony rides and bounce houses, making this a great family event.
For more information, visit their website. Zelienople Fall Festival
Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival
September 28th thru October 27th
Location: Lehighton, PA
If you love all things pumpkin, you won’t want to miss the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival. Running daily from late September through October, this festival offers everything from corn mazes to pony rides. Additional entertainment, like carnival rides and laser tag, makes it even more exciting on weekends. Don’t forget to try the gourd grenade contest—it’s more complicated than it looks!
For more information, visit their website. Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival
49th Annual Franklin Applefest
October 4th – 5th – 6th
Location: Franklin, PA
Apple lovers, rejoice! Franklin’s Applefest is the perfect destination for anyone who can’t get enough of fall’s favorite fruit. This festival features over 300 vendors, live music, historical tours, and there will be plenty of apple-themed foods on hand. One of the highlights is the apple pie-eating contest, which never fails to draw a crowd.
For more information, visit their website. Franklin Applefest
49th Annual Peddler’s Village Apple Festival
November 2nd – 3rd
Location: Lahaska, PA
Peddler’s Village in Bucks County is known for its colonial charm, and its annual Apple Festival is a local favorite. This festival offers a wide range of apple-themed treats, from apple butter to cinnamon donuts. You can also browse dozens of vendors selling crafts and seasonal goods. Just be sure to arrive early—this event is top-rated!
For more information, visit their website. 49th Annual Peddlers Village Apple Festival
Harvest Celebration, Lake Erie Wine Country
November 1st- 3rd, 8th – 10th
Location: Erie County, PA
Wine lovers won’t want to miss the Harvest Celebration in Lake Erie Wine Country. Over two weekends, visitors can tour local wineries, enjoy wine tastings, and savor seasonal food pairings. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the second-largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies while enjoying Pennsylvania’s autumn splendor.
For more information, visit their website.Harvest Celebration
Butler Fall Festival
September 28th
Location: Butler PA
This one-day festival takes over Main Street in downtown Butler, featuring over 100 craft vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. A highlight is the classic car show, where vintage car enthusiasts can admire beautifully restored vehicles. For families, the kid’s zone offers bounce houses, face painting, and a petting zoo, making this a fun outing for all ages.
For more information, visit their website.: Butler Fall Festival
Fort Ligonier Days
October 11th- 12th -13th
Location: Ligonier, PA
Fort Ligonier Days is a three-day festival commemorating the 1758 Battle of Fort Ligonier during the French and Indian War. History buffs will love the live battle reenactments, while others can enjoy arts and craft vendors, live music, and a massive parade through historic downtown Ligonier. The beautiful fall setting adds to the charm of this unique event.
For more information, visit their website.: Fort Ligonier Days
Conneaut Lake Fall Pumpkin Fest
October 11th- 12th
Location: Conneaut Lake, PA
This festival is all about family-friendly fun, with rides, games, live entertainment, and plenty of fall-themed activities. The highlight is the Pumpkin Drop, where a 1,000-pound pumpkin is hoisted 90 feet into the air and dropped! It’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
For more information, visit the website.: Conneaut Lake Fall Pumpkin Fest
Kinzua Bridge Fall Foliage Festival
September 21st – 22nd
Location: Kinzua Bridge State Park, PA
Held at the stunning Kinzua Bridge State Park, this fall foliage festival offers visitors the chance to take in Pennsylvania’s autumn colors from a unique vantage point. The Kinzua Sky Walk provides breathtaking views of the Kinzua Gorge, and the festival itself features arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, and live musical performances.
For more information, visit the Seven Springs Resort website.: Kinzua Bridge Foundation
Autumfest at Seven Springs Mountain Resort
October 5th -6th – 12th- 13th 19th- 20th
Location: Seven Springs, PA
If you’re looking for a fall festival with stunning mountain views, Autumnfest at Seven Springs Mountain Resort is the place to be. Over three weekends, visitors can enjoy craft vendors, live music, and plenty of delicious fall foods. For an extra treat, ride on the chairlift to the top of the mountain and soak in the vibrant fall colors of the Laurel Highlands. For more information, visit the Seven Springs Resort website.: Seven Springs Resort
Until next time,
Susan
And there you have it—15 must-see fall festivals in Pennsylvania for 2024! Whether you’re looking for food, fun, or breathtaking fall scenery, Pennsylvania has a festival for you. So, which festival are you most excited to attend? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your own favorite fall festivals!
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